Nieuwendyk retires after 20 years

(12/6/06) Florida Panthers forward Joe Nieuwendyk retired Wednesday because of chronic back problems, ending a 20-year career. Nieuwendyk, who won three Stanley Cup three titles and helped Canada capture an Olympic gold medal in 2002, missed 14 of the Panthers' first 29 games this season because of the injury. He made the decision to retire when doctors told him that his back simply wouldn't improve. Nieuwendyk, 40, visited a back specialist last week and told Panthers coach Jacques Martin of his choice to retire on Monday. Players were told Wednesday morning before practice.

Nieuwendyk sits on Tuesday

(12/6/06) Joe Nieuwendyk (back) did not play in Tuesday's game at Pittsburgh.

Nieuwendyk sits with back spasms

(12/2/06) Florida's Joe Nieuwendyk sat out Saturday against the Thrashers with back spasms.

Nieuwendyk returns on Thursday

(11/17/06) Joe Nieuwendyk (back) returned to the lineup for Thursday's game against the Canadiens. He was scoreless with one shot on goal in 14:53 of ice time.

Nieuwendyk to return Thurs.

(11/15/06) The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports Joe Nieuwendyk (back) will return for Thursday's game against the Canadiens.